The Best Affordable Spinning Reel For Big Tarpon And Sharks
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
Want to target big tarpon and sharks but don’t have the reel to handle them?
The Daiwa BG 4500 is a tough reel at a great price point!
I’ve caught some of my biggest fish with this reel and made it look easy.
Check out this new video and learn about the Daiwa BG 4500!
The Best Reel For Tarpon & Sharks [VIDEO]
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Click here to get the Daiwa BG 4500
This is the absolute best spinning reel for big game.
And very affordable!
Whether it’s big tarpon or sharks, this reel gets the job done!
Daiwa BG 4500 Specs
- Gear Ratio 5.7:1
- 6+1 Bearings
- 22.0Lb Drag
- Braided Line Capacity 40/340, 50/270
- Weight 22.0oz.
The big handle helps you crank down on BIG fish!
And the size of the spool is similar to other brand’s 6000 series reels as far as line capacity.
I’ve caught a 100+ pound tarpon and my biggest shark with this reel.
Click here to get the Daiwa BG 4500
Have any questions about this reel?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who’s going after big game fish, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Daiwa BG spinners are excellent reels. I use a BG8000 with 65lb braid, 30ft of 80lb shock leader, 6ft of 200lb mono for the fish finder sinker and shark skin abrasion, and 12″ of 235lb solid steel bite leader for sharks off the beach.
Hey Luke, when fishing for tarpon with 30lb braid what size mono leader are you using? Also for shark and 30lb braid what size mono leader? Thanks
I normally use 60 lb mono leader when targeting tarpon with 30 lb braid. For sharks, it’s best to use a wire leader if you’re really wanting to get one all the way to the boat.
Hey there Luke,
Quick question, why does the gear ratio drop down to 5.3 once you get to the 6500 ? and do you want the higher 5.7:1 when fighting tarpon over the 5.3?
thanks in advance.
That is a very good question… I’m not sure. My only guesses are that the lower ratio enables more power or that they were designing for a particular amount of inches per turn metric and lowered the gear ratio according to the wider diameter spool
I just picked up 3 BG 4500s in the Insider Tackle Shop. I want to use them primarily for tarpon and maybe some nearshore slow trolling (kings, mahi, etc.). I’m thinking of pairing it with a Star Sequence – either the 20-50 pound class 8-footer or the 15-30 pound class 7-foot-2. I would appreciate any thought on whether either (or both) would pair well. I plan on using 40 or 50-pound braid. Thanks!
I haven’t used either of those rods, but they both should pair well with that reel. Make sure to take into account the weight of the lures/baits you’ll be throwing to make sure the rod performs well for casting if you’ll be using the rod for casting too.
Thanks Luke. I will be throwing live baits to the extent that I’m casting – mullet, greenbacks, crabs.
For the crabs, I have to assume that the lighter rod with the 15 to 30 lb rating would be the better choice because you’ll need some flex in the rod with a light bait like that in order to get a good cast with a small crab for tarpon.
What rod would you match with this BG 4500 for sharks and tarpon?
Lots of options… I am a fan of the St. Croix Mojo Inshore rods for bigger game fishing. I’d go with the 7’6″ or 7’11” MH or H power versions base on the line class that you’ll be using.
Thanks Luke. You guys are changing the way we fish.
Thanks for the kind words Steve!
Can the BG 4500 handle red and gag grouper?
Yes. But level wind reels are generally better for grouper fishing compared to spinning reels because they put the line at risk of rubbing against side of the boat when the fish surges.
Do you think the 4500 or5000 would be could for jigging for bft in jersey and what rod do youthink you would pair it with.
I haven’t done that type of fishing so I can’t say for sure if it would be a good fit or not.
Do you think a heavy 15-30lb tfo rod would pair well with this reel?
I haven’t tried pairing that rod up with this reel. But if it’s listed for 30 lbs, it should be a good fit.
If I was going to fish off a kayak, could I get by pairing this reel the my med-fast seven foot rod I use in-shore, or would I need to go to something different. Thanks.
That depends on which rod you’re referring to… some MH rods are built for bigger tackle while most is more for lighter tackle. If the rod isn’t rated for at least 30 lbs, I don’t think it would pair with it very well.
any ideas on a rod for the BG 4500 with a short butt
I’m not aware of any bigger game spinning rods with short butts.
Thanks – So what rod would you pair it with for tarpon, sharks or other offshore fish about this size with live or chunk bait? Thanks, you suggestions have always worked out for me.